THE St Kieran's College goalkeeper, Pat Holden, was the hero as the Kilkenny side hung on for a draw against holders Drimnagh Castle CBS in a thrilling Leinster Secondary Schools' Senior Cup final at Buckley Park last night. With a minute to go Holden brought off a magical double save from Gary Cronin to earn a replay at a Dublin venue next Tuesday.

While Drimnagh had those chances to win the match, a draw was probably the fairest result because fortune swayed to and fro during a game that provided great entertainment for the 3,000 crowd.

Drimnagh threatened first in the 10th minute when a Gary Cronin shot got through Holden's hands but the ball went over the top of the crossbar. Within a minute Kieran's were unlucky at the other end, a shot by Henry Shefflin eluded goalkeeper Dean Delaney, but trickled harmlessly wide.

Michael Cashin went close for Kieran's moments later and in the 22nd minute David McAvinue nearly did the business for Drimnagh.

Eventually in the 41st minute, the holders hit the front. Mark Lovett put Cronin through and he provided a splendid finish to give the Dublin side the lead at halftime.

St Kieran's were much more on the pace in the second period. They drew level in the 52nd minute when Shefflin won good ball on the left edge of the box and he rifled home a smashing equaliser.

The challengers had a few close misses afterwards and Joe Gubbins and Liam McCormack nearly found the net But Drimnagh, thanks to some splendid defending by John Norton, held out.

Two tired teams dragged themselves through extra-time, but with a minute to go a superb through ball from Stephen Byrne looked like making Cronin the hero. But Holden saved the day.

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